A recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that about eight-in-ten Americans have an unfavorable view of China, with 43% holding a “very” unfavorable opinion. This percentage, while high, is slightly down from last year. The survey, conducted among 3,600 U.S. adults, revealed that negative views of China have been consistent since 2020.
The negative views of China come against a backdrop of American efforts to limit business with the country, including legislation passed by Congress to force the sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations and concerns over data transfers involving Chinese companies. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, have also raised issues such as industrial overcapacity in China. Despite these challenges, American business leaders such as Apple CEO Tim Cook and Tesla CEO Elon Musk have visited China recently to explore business opportunities.
In addition to negative views, Americans increasingly see China as an enemy, with 42% describing it as such. Only 6% view China as a partner, while 50% see it as a competitor. The survey also found that many Americans believe China’s influence in the world is growing, with 71% saying its influence has increased in recent years. Older men, in particular, are more likely to view China’s influence as on the rise.
The survey also revealed differences in perception based on age and political affiliation. Older Americans tend to view China more critically than younger adults, with Republicans expressing more wariness towards China compared to Democrats. Despite the overall negative sentiment towards China, younger Americans are more likely to believe that China has a positive influence on the U.S. economy.
China, on its part, has been seeking to increase exposure to the country among young Americans through initiatives such as inviting 50,000 American students to visit. Overall, the survey highlights the complex relationship between the U.S. and China, characterized by a mix of negative views, concerns about China’s influence, and potential business opportunities.
